Chateau Montelena - The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Price: $149.98
| Producer | Chateau Montelena |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2013 |
| Sku | 02303 |
Chateau Montelena Description
Notes from the Winemaker, Matt Crafton, January 2017.
Introduction We take great pride in the stewardship of this very special Estate vineyard, under our care for the last 45 years. Even a casual visit to Burgundy or Bordeaux readily reveals family plots that have existed and thrived for centuries. This relationship between the farmer and his field is a true partnership, and underscores man’s role as an integral part of terroir. In discussing topography, climate, and geology—what most consider to be the essence of the site—it’s easy to forget the careful hands that plant the vines, till the soil, and prune the canes. For the farmer, it takes persistent dedication, purpose, and perspective to be successful. But more importantly, it’s the understanding that each vintage isn’t a sprint, but an individual leg of a multi-decade marathon. Only under the careful guidance of an experienced, devoted team can the fullest potential of any vineyard be achieved. At Chateau Montelena, the proof of that success is in the tenure of our team, the nature of our site, and the utmost quality of our fruit.
Vintage Weather The 2013 vintage was yet another blockbuster for Napa Valley. Early winter rains and dry spring weather combined to induce just enough early stress in our vines to stimulate the development of rich texture and body, characteristic of our Estate Cabernet. The long, warm summer that followed, coupled with good yields, brought each block into balance quite quickly requiring little intervention and encouraging uniform ripening. The result is an age-worthy wine that showcases the classic balance of Old World structure and New World ripeness.
Nose In the glass, the wine displays classic notes of raspberry jam,
mocha, and a subtle hint of baking spices. After a few minutes, the bouquet opens to reveal lush aromas of toasty cedar, crème de cassis, and fresh blackberry.
Palate A complex interplay of sweet French oak, subtle earth, and a chewy minerality that devoted Montelena fans will instantly recognize. The mid palate is clean and fresh with rhubarb pie, strawberry candy, and just a touch of smoky espresso that become incredibly pronounced with additional time in the glass.
Finish
The transition to the finish is seamless, and will only improve with age. Here the refreshing
acidity, rounded tannin, and intense fruit vie for the spotlight. Upon release, the soft tannins seem to win out as the dense texture lingers, inviting another sip from the glass.
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate opens with profound black and red currant cordial notes over an undercurrent of Indian spices, chargrill, scorched earth and bay leaves. Medium-bodied with wonderful intensity and depth in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long and layered.
-Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Vinous Media: 95 Points
Montelena's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is unctuous, deep and concentrated. A wine of gravitas and power, the 2013 possesses remarkable textural richness, with a demi-glace like sweetness that is unusual for this wine and that lends an exotic feel throughout. The tannins are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit, but they are very much present. Patience will be key. Iron, smoke, tar and licorice are some of the many notes that infuse the voluptuous finish.
-- Antonio Galloni
